CNYVRF.org - Watchfire 2025

The CNY Veterans Recognition Foundation is proud to have had the opportunity to carry on the CNY Watchfire event for the past two years (2023 and 2024)

This is a tremendous event that takes a tremendous amount of volunteers, money, and considerable time to prepare and execute. But as with many 100% volunteer operations, we will not be able to carry on for the year 2025 as was announced in August 2024 via press releases. .

Our community of veterans and veteran resource organizations are in the process of finding a successor, and as we get more updates we will post her accoordingly.

Thank you so much for your past support!

Founded and nurtured each year by the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA)- Syracuse Chapter 103 for over 32 years,
the Central New York Watchfire event continues on.

The Central New York Community expresses their deep appreciation to the VVA Chapter 103 for their tireless commitment and energy to make this one of the largest events of this kind in the USA!

Watchfire history

The origin of military “watchfires” in the United States dates back at least to the Revolutionary War. General George Washington had signal fires (Watchfires) along the Hudson River in Southeastern New York and Northern New Jersey which alerted residents to the approach of the British and helped soldiers separated in battle return safely to their units. Watchfires continued to be used within military units following battles or long marches to help service members find their way back to their units.

Today, the CNY Watchfire brings service members, veterans, their families, friends, and community members together to honor and remember those who did not return home and paid the ultimate sacrifice, making our country stronger.

In the Central New York Community, for over 35 years the Watchfire event has drawn thousands of visitors including veteran organizations, veterans, and volunteers throughout CNY’s military and veteran community. Watchfire ’ 24 will be lit at dusk, with over 5,000 American flags expected to be appropriately retired in a spectacular and dignified fashion.